Ebola risk is very low in Windsor-Essex. To date, there have not been any cases of Ebola in Canada, and the risk to Ontarians remains low.
What is Ebola?
- Ebola is a severe acute viral illness in humans.
- The first outbreak was reported in 1976 in Africa.
- Ebola is usually found in hot tropical rain forest areas of Africa.
What are the signs and symptoms of Ebola?
Sudden onset:
- Fever
- Headache
- Malaise (general body weakness)
- Myalgia ( muscle pain)
Other symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pharyngitis (sore throat)
- Rash
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) can progress to multi-organ failure, toxic shock, and death.
How does Ebola spread?
The Ebola virus does not spread easily from person to person. It is spread through direct contact with infected body fluids, not through casual contact.
Directly: by touching infected blood, urine, stool, semen, vomit.
Indirectly: through contact with bed linens or surfaces with the infected body fluids of a person.
Can Ebola be spread in the air, water, or food?
No. Ebola is NOT spread through the air, water, or food.
When and how long is a person contagious?
- Incubation period is 2 to 21 days after exposure.
- Persons are contagious only after the onset of symptoms.
How is Ebola diagnosed?
Health care providers can assess and order specific blood tests that can detect the virus in the blood.
Who is at risk of getting Ebola?
- All age groups can be affected by Ebola. We DO NOT have any Ebola cases in Canada.
- The risk of exposure to Ebola in Ontario remains very low.
What treatment is available for Ebola?
Patients require intensive hospital care. The treatment for Ebola is based on symptoms. No approved vaccine is available at the present time
Primary Care Providers please refer to Public Health Ontario Ebola Virus Disease webpage with several resources specific to clinicians to manage travellers from Countries/Areas Affected by Ebola Virus Disease.